NEWS FROM KOMMANDONEK SIDING!
This week we moved the first coach from Kommandonek siding to the Farm. This was the first of eleven wagons that will be moved during the next two weeks. The wagons will be stored on our 3’6” storage lines in Hoekfontein Station. We used our Freightliner Truck, Forklift, tractor with trailer together with our new Crane to assist us with this huge operation.
First of all we had to remove the stop block on the Sandstone siding at Kommandonek Siding. We loosened the fishplates and easily removed the stop block with our ten-ton Forklift.
Below : The stops block being moved aside.
Below : The Dolly wheel was transported on the trailer and was offloaded and placed close enough and ready to fit.
We then moved the first coach closer with the help of a tractor and a long sling.
The Crane was set up and the braking gears were disconnected on the wagon. The new Crane lifted the front side of the wagon with ease and we removed the front bogey of the coach.
Below are photos of the first step to load the coach.
The Crane picked up the coach very carefully after determining the centre of gravity.
After we removed the bogey, we had to lift this wagon much higher to enable the Freightliner Truck to reverse in under the coach.
The coach then was lowered closer to the fifth wheel of the Freightliner. The coach was aligned and lowered again till it fitted onto the plate on the fifth wheel.
We secured the wagon frame onto the plate on the fifth wheel with strong bolts and nuts. The Freightliner then pulled forward for the lifting of the rear of the coach. The bogey was removed again and the dolly wheel was placed under the wagon. This is the more difficult side to load for it is not easy to align the centre of the dolly because of the steel sleepers standing out.
The rear of the coach also had to be lifted quite high to fit the dolly in under and this had to be done with care, not to damage the fifth wheel of the Freightliner.
Below: The battle of alignment begins!
Both bogeys were loaded onto the trailer, secured and ready to depart to the Farm.
Below right: Leon and his Freightliner ready to depart to the Farm. The moving of wagons by road needs a skilled driver for it is easy to overturn the coach if proper care isn’t taken. It is very top-heavy because of the height. Who ever you are, whatever you do, please don’t try this at home! J
Below: Leon safely on his way with the first coach. Photo taken near Kommandonek Siding.
We arrived safe on the Farm Friday late afternoon. This wagon will be offloaded on Monday morning and we shall depart immediately after to load the second wagon. She is now safe and secure from vandalism.
STEAMING NEWS!
THE RATANGA GARRATT LOCOMOTIVE:
During this week we fitted back the motion on the second unit. The one cowcatcher was repaired and was fitted on the rear unit. The second cowcatcher will take little longer to repair. Henk stripped the second cowcatcher completely and new pipes will be made to fit into the cowcatcher.
Menasse spray painted the rear unit a third coat of paint and both buffer beams were painted red. The front unit was sprayed to, but the tank on the front unit first needs little attention to the steelwork before we will be able to spray-paint it to perfection.
The cylinder laggings were cleaned and painted with red oxide paint. The cowcatcher then was painted with red and silver paint. A new vacuum pipe was fitted to the rear unit and the axle box covers were removed and painted yellow.
We at first thought that yellow sandboxes will look stunning, but after we painted the first one we decided to keep them black. The yellow was standing out to much. Both engine unit cylinder laggings were sprayed black with a yellow lining at both sides.
Headlights were painted silver and will be fitted onto in next week.
Below : Henk stripped the second cowcatcher completely.
During the next week we shall fit both headlights and finish the second cowcatcher. The cowcatcher will be fitted and painted in the same livery as the other one. The front unit will be spayed another coat and a new vacuum pipe will be fitted. The boiler will then be moved closer to the shed for a complete sandblast after we assembled the cab of this locomotive.
Below : Greased cranks before fitting back the motion onto the second unit.
THE BSA RAILCAR:
Derrick is working fulltime on the BSA Railcar and we would love to see it finish by the end of July this year. The difficult part is to manufacture new plates and to make them streamlined for a perfect end. The left side running board is finished and Derrick puzzled out the frame work to make it fit to the design of the body.
Below: Welding and grinding, the sparks were flying till the frame and the body of the BSA matched.
Below: The BSA forming into shape.
Below: The bumper design! This needed a good Boilermaker Derrick Van Zyl.
SIGNALS:
We finished the restoration of two Semaphore Signals during this week. Two Home signals will be moved for restoration and once all four are finished, they will be erected at Vailima Siding.
Henry, Arno and Leon were trained and certified this week to operate both our Cranes. They went through tough week of learning and examinations and all passed with flying colors. Well done to everyone!
Below : A photo taken after all passed their practical examination.
Below : The instructor and our guys in class!
FROM THE PAST:
Class 23 number 3300. This photo was taken in Kroonstad long before the end of steam. Still one of the Museums prestige locomotives, preserved for the future. She was often used on goods trains from Kroonstad to Virginia till late 1990 with her regular driver Tinnie Crause.
OUTLOOK FOR NEXT WEEK
· To move five wagons from Kommandonek.
· To move Ratanga Boiler for restoration.
· To repair cowcatcher and fit to front Unit.
· Ratanga Locomotive restoration.
· BSA Restoration.
· To Offload Rand Water Locomotives.
· To clean all coaches and locomotives.
STEAM GREETINGS
FROM THE
STEAM TEAM
